Main Idea:
God is good, so where suffering exists it’s because of sin, but God is the source of hope and comfort.

Check-In (Highs & Lows) 15 min
A great, quick way to catch the highlights of what is happening in the lives of the people in your group is to take turns quickly sharing the “highs & lows” of your week. High: What was your biggest highlight since we last met? Low: What was the low point during this time?

Settle-In (Ice-Breaker) 10 min
Have you ever encountered a suffering that shook your faith in God?

Dig-In (Scripture) 35 min
There are two main sources of suffering we experience: broken creation and broken people. Suffering from broken creation is things outside of our control but points to the decay of nature, human bodies, or the biological system of the earth. Suffering from broken people is when people make decisions which intentionally or accidentally harm other people.

1. Read Romans 8:19-22. What is this passage saying about broken creation?
   

2. How have you experienced suffering from broken creation?
   

3. Read Galatians 6:7-8 & James 1:13-15. What are these passages saying about the source of sin in our lives?
   

4. How have you experienced suffering from broken people (including yourself).
   

5. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Lamentations 3:3, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. What do these passages reveal about the heart of God?
   

6. How can clinging to the character of God in the face of suffering keep us grounded?
   

7. Read Romans 8:19-28. What a wonderful arc! What statements are being made in this passage? (There are a lot!)
   

8. How does Romans 8:28 give us hope in light of this arc?
   

Gear-Up (Application) 15 min
1. We had a lot of scripture! Which scripture would you like to memorize so that it’ll come to your mind more often through the ups and downs of life?

Step-Up (Homework)
1. Did you pick a verse to memorize? Spend time every day repeating that scripture. There are apps online that help with memorizing verses as well.